Training a kitten to use a litter box isn't always easy. While cats have the instinct to bury their droppings, a litter box can be confounding for some kittens. While time and patience will eventually get your little one to understand how to take care of business indoors, there's one simple mistake you can make that could mean life or death for your kitten. This guide will explain how a litter box can be hazardous to a kitten and what you can do to avoid the problem.
The Danger of Clumping Litter
Clumping litter can make a litter box less smelly as well as make it easier to clean, but the clumping nature of the litter can also make it dangerous for kittens.
Clumping cat litter absorbs liquid and turns into a semi-hard clump once it does so. Cats and kittens will naturally get a bit of litter stuck between their pads while using the box, and they'll probably consume it while grooming themselves. Unfortunately, while adult cats can usually tolerate small amounts of clumping litter with no problems, kittens may not be as lucky.
Kittens are much smaller than adult cats, as are their intestines. If a kitten consumes clumping litter, it may clump in their gastrointestinal tract, creating a blockage that can become life-threatening quickly. These blockages can cause severe health symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, and even the death of portions of the intestines.
Alternatives to Clumping Litter
Using a non-clumping litter is the best way to avoid this dangerous problem entirely. While traditional clay non-clumping litter is a great choice, you can also use shredded newspaper or pine pellets. Non-clumping litter will pass safely through the intestines without clumping, and paper also breaks down in the stomach. Pine pellets may be interesting for a kitten to play with, but they're generally too large and hard for a kitten to want to eat them. If you wanted to use clumping litter, pine pellets may be a good choice, as they absorb liquids and just leave solids behind for you to remove.
When You Can Make The Switch
Kittens age at slightly different speeds, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian to find out when you can switch to clumping litter. However, once your kitten is at least a couple months old and 1 1/2-2 pounds, they should be large enough to safely use clumping litter. If you absolutely have to use clumping litter when they're smaller than that, make sure to wipe their paws with a wet washcloth after they use the litter box to remove excess litter.
Clumping litter can be convenient, but it's also potentially hazardous for kittens. Use non-clumping litter varieties while your kitten is small for safety's sake.
